NMAT Preparation 2024: Exam from October to December; Best Books, Strategy, top coaching; Check Month Wise Preparation Plan
NMAT is an important MBA entrance exam for admission in NMIMS and 50+ other top B-schools. NMAT is a computer based test of two hours duration and is divided into three sections: Language Skills, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Skills. NMAT Exam date is from October to December 2024 and the exam is conducted in two testing modes – Exam Centre based test and Internet Based Proctored test which a candidate can take from home. Experts are of the view that NMAT preparation can be completed in 3-4 months. Below is the NMAT preparation plan for NMAT 2024:
Table of Contents
1. What is NMAT Exam Pattern? Check NMAT Question Paper Composition
2. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 1: NMAT Preparation on Language Skills
3. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 2: NMAT Preparation Logical Reasoning
4. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 3: Quantitative Skills
5. NMAT by GMAC Official Guide: Key Features
6. NMAT Preparation Plan for 6 Months, 3 Months, 2 Months
7. Top NMAT 2024 Coaching Institutes
8. NMAT Mocks: Best Preparation Tool
1. What is NMAT Exam Pattern? Check NMAT Question Paper Composition
Unless you are aware what are the key components and sections in NMAT exam pattern, what are the topics on which questions are asked in NMAT exam, it is like beating about the bush as you will not be able to know how to start the NMAT exam preparation 2024. So, before moving on your NMAT preparation path, it is very important to understand the NMAT exam pattern as below:
NMAT Exam Pattern: Analysis
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Exam Sections
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Number of questions
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Sectional Time & Scoring Pattern
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Language Skills
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36 Total MCQs
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28 Minutes. +1 Mark for each Correct answer; No Negative Marking for wrong answer. Max. Scaled Score 120
|
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Logical Reasoning
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36 Total MCQs
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40 Minutes. +1 Mark for each Correct answer; No Negative Marking for wrong answer. Max. Scaled Score 120
|
|
Quantitative Skills
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36 Total MCQs
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52 Minutes. +1 Mark for each Correct answer; No Negative Marking for wrong answer. Max. Scaled Score 120
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Total Questions
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108
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Marks will be converted to scaled score. No Percentile awarded
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Answer Options for each question
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5
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All questions are MCQs
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Facility to choose order of sections
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Yes
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Can be chosen Only Once before starting the exam
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Minimum & Maximum Marks
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36 to 360
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Marks converted to scaled score
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Your NMAT preparation should be done with a clear understanding with NMAT syllabus and should focus on How to Prepare for NMAT Exam 2024, what Study Material for Exam Preparation is required, how to do NMAT Sectional Preparation, How to Prepare for NMAT by Self-Study, among others. Now check below how to start and complete your XAT preparation 2025
2. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 1: NMAT Preparation on Language Skills
Language Skills is the first section in NMAT exam and has 36% weightage. This section includes Reading Comprehension also. You need to prepare on following key topics which have high percentage of questions appearing in Language Skills section in NMAT exam as shared below:
2.1 Language Skills Topics & Questions Appeared in NMAT
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: NMAT 2023
Section: Language Skills
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions
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|
Verbal Ability
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Spot the Error in Underlined Parts; Correction in Sentences
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Grammatically Incorrect Sentences
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8
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Jumbled Paragraph
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Placing the Jumbled sentences in coherent paragraphs
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5
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|
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Fill in the Blanks
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Filling Blanks in each sentence with correct Vocabulary, Grammatically correct words and parts of sentences
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8
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|
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Reading Comprehension
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2 Passages followed by 4 Questions each
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--
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--
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Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Passage Title
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RC Passage 1
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Topic: “Japanese economy from WW II to present”
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4
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RC Passage 2
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Topic: “Challenges in implementing solar energy”
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4
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Total Questions
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Includes VARC
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--
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36
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2.2 NMAT Syllabus for Language Skills
NMAT Language Skills Syllabus carries overall 33% Weight in NMAT exam. Out of total 108 questions in NMAT, 36 questions are based on Language Skills section. Below is shared the topic wise syllabus for NMAT on Language Skills section with number of questions in the exam and actual questions that appeared last year.
NMAT Syllabus for Language Skills
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Section: Language Skills
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Syllabus
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No of Questions Appeared in NMAT 2023
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Language Skills – Verbal Ability
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Sentence Correction (8 Qs); Jumbled Paragraphs (5 Qs); Fill in the Blanks (8 Qs); Analogy (7 Qs)
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28
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Reading Comprehension
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2 RC Passages on Japanese economy from WW II to present”’ and “Challenges in implementing solar energy”
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8
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Total Questions
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(Includes Verbal and RC)
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36
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2.3 Best Language Skills Preparation Books for NMAT 2024
Language Skills Preparation books and NMAT preparation material online or offline play a major role in helping you in NMAT preparation and score high in the NMAT exam. A few of the best books on Language Skills preparation for NMAT recommended by toppers are:
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT’- by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- ‘Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT’ - by Nishit K Sinha
- Latest RC Passages and practice questions provided by Study centres like TIME, CL among others
- Editorial and short articles published in English news papers
- ‘Word Power Made Easy’ – by Norman Lewis
- ‘High School English Grammar & Composition’ – by Wren & Martin
- Regularly solve the Verbal Ability questions from your study material especially on Para summary, Jumbled Paragraphs
- Use the study material of best online coaching for NMAT 2024
3. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 2: NMAT Preparation Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning section in NMAT by GMAC exam and carries a weightage of 33% in the exam. Out of total 108 questions, 36 questions are based on Reasoning only. The Logical Reasoning Section has an individual time limit of 40 minutes to attempt the questions. The questions are based on three topics, namely- Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning. Below is shared the topic wise Logical Reasoning Syllabus with number of questions that appeared last year:
3.1 LR Topics & Questions Appeared in NMAT
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: NMAT 2023
Section: Logical Reasoning
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
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Includes Syllogism, Puzzles, Series, Input-Output, Arrangements among others
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Syllogisms (1 Q); Puzzle (3 Qs); Sequence/Series (2 Qs); Direction sense (1 Q); Unitary Method (2 Qs); Input-Output (7 Qs); Arrangements (4 Qs);
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20
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Critical Reasoning
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Includes Inference, Assumptions, Weakening of Arguments, Decision Making, Statement-Argument/Assumption/Conclusion
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Inference/Assumptions (7 Qs); Weakening of Arguments (4 Qs); Decision Making (1 Q); Course of Action (1 Q); Statement-Argument (1 Q); Statement-Assumption (1 Q); Statement-Conclusion (1 Q)
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16
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Total Questions
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Includes Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reasoning & Analytical Reasoning
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--
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36
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3.2 NMAT Syllabus for Logical Reasoning
Out of the question pool in NMAT Logical Reasoning syllabus, the questions of moderate difficulty are asked in this section. Key topics in Logical Reasoning syllabus are shared below:
NMAT Syllabus for Logical Reasoning
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Syllabus for Logical Reasoning Topics
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Syllabus
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No of Questions Appeared in NMAT 2023
|
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Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning
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Syllogisms (1 Q); Puzzle (3 Qs); Sequence/Series (2 Qs); Direction sense (1 Q); Unitary Method (2 Qs); Input-Output (7 Qs); Arrangements (4 Qs); Inference/Assumptions (7 Qs); Weakening of Arguments (4 Qs); Decision Making (1 Q); Course of Action (1 Q); Statement-Argument (1 Q); Statement-Assumption (1 Q); Statement-Conclusion (1 Q)
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36
|
|
Total Questions
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Includes Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reasoning & Analytical Reasoning
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36
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3.3 Best LR Preparation Books for NMAT
Books for NMAT Logical Reasoning preparation play a major role in helping you score high in the NMAT by GMAC exam. A few of the best NMAT preparation books for Logical Reasoning recommended by toppers are:
- ‘How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT’ - by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
- ‘Logical Reasoning and data Interpretation for the CAT’- by Nishit K Sinha (Published by Pearson)
4. How to Prepare for NMAT 2024 Section 3: Quantitative Skills
The Quantitative Skills syllabus in NMAT also carries overall 33% Weight in the exam. It has individual section time limit of 52 minutes and comprises 36 questions out of total 108 questions. Major topics on which questions are based include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number system, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency among others. Below is shared the topic wise Quantitative Skills sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual NMAT questions that appeared last year:
4.1 Quantitative Skills Topics & Questions Appeared in NMAT
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: NMAT 2023
Section: Quantitative Skills
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions
|
|
Arithmetic
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Interest
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Simple and Compound Interest
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3
|
|
Arithmetic
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Percentage, Profit & Loss
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Profit and Loss, Percentages, Partnership
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7
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Arithmetic
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TSD, T&W
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Time & Work
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1
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|
Algebra
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Equation, Formulae
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Cubic Equation, Algebraic Formulae
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2
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|
Modern Math
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P&C, Probability, Log
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Permutation & Combination(3), Probability(3), Logarithms(2)
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8
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Number System
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Dvisions, Multiples
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Divisibility, Multiplicity
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3
|
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Data Interpretation
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Graphs, Tables
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Bar graph (2 Qs) Line graph (2 Qs), Table (4 Qs)
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8
|
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Data Sufficiency
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Number sufficiency, Arithmetic calculation
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Numbers (2 Qs), Arithmetic (2 Qs)
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4
|
|
Total Questions
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Quant, DI, DS
|
--
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36
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4.2 NMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Skills
NMAT Quantitative Syllabus covers all topics as are covered in CAT and XAT exam. The questions of moderate difficulty are asked in this section. Key topics in Quantitative Skills syllabus are shared below:
NMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Skills
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Syllabus for Quantitative Skills
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Syllabus
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No of Questions Appeared in NMAT 2023
|
|
Arithmetic
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Simple and Compound Interest (3 Qs), Profit and Loss (2 Qs), Percentages(4 Qs), Partnership (1 Qs), Time and Work(1Q)
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11
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|
Algebra
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Cubic Equation (1 Q), Algebraic Formulae (1 Q)
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2
|
|
Numbers
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Divisibility, Factors, Multiples
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3
|
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Data Interpretation
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Bar graph (2 Qs) Line graph (2 Qs), Table (4 Qs)
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8
|
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Data Sufficiency
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Numbers (2 Qs), Arithmetic (2 Qs)
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4
|
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Total Questions
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Includes Quant, DI & DS
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36
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4.3 Best Quantitative Skills Preparation Books for NMAT
The best books for Quantitative Skills for NMAT preparation are:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill)
- ‘Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT’ - by Nishit K Sinha (Published by Pearson)
- CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
5. NMAT by GMAC Official Guide: Key Features
The NMAT by GMAC official guide is a good and only authentic source to prepare for NMAT 2024 exam as per actual test pattern. The NMAT official guide with NMAT by GMAC Mock test papers and questions consists of following key features:
- 480 NMAT Questions from past NMAT by GMAC exams
- Contains NMAT Mock test papers and NMAT Sample Papers
- Apart from NMAT online Mock test papers from NMAT by GMAC, the book contains 700 NMAT topic wise questions with answer keys and detailed solutions including hundreds of new questions
- Candidates can buy “NMAT by GMAC™ Official Practice Exam 2 & 3” to practice more
- One free NMIMS NMAT Online Practice Test with 120 new questions from past NMAT exam questions with answer explanations
- Two free Mock test for NMAT 2024 with 300+ questions from past NMAT exams with answer explanations
- Scaled score provided for the NMAT Mock Test Free
6. NMAT Preparation Plan for 6 Months, 3 Months, 2 Months
One of the most important preparation tools is your NMAT exam preparation time table. As the preparation time goes on reducing month after month with every passing day, you need to revisit your preparation strategy and synchronise it with remaining preparation Time. Finalizing the preparation time table depends upon your skill set also. How much preparation you need? What are your weak areas and how much time you need to improve upon them could differ from person to person.
6.1 How to prepare for NMAT 2024 Exam in 6 months?
- Preparation Start Date: April/May
- Daily Time to Devote: 2-3 Hours
- Preparation Over Date: September
- Preparation Activity after September: Revision, Mocks but Nothing New to begin
NMAT preparation tips for beginners or for the repeaters are not much different. NMAT preparation time of 6 months is more than sufficient to crack the exam. Following should be adhered to before proceeding on NMAT preparation journey:
- As you have sufficient NMAT exam preparation time, first of all go through and understand the NMAT exam structure
- Thoroughly Read the NMAT 2024 exam syllabus as it is released officially
- Find out your strong and weak areas
- Start building up the fundamentals and get conceptual clarity on the topics which fall in your weak areas
- Don’t waste too much time on theory. If you have understood the basics, attempt NMAT sectional quiz.
- Practice after theory is a must. Accordingly take periodical NMAT 2024 Quiz, attempt NMAT Mock tests, NMAT previous years question papers
- Get the best NMAT preparation material with best books for NMAT preparation.
- Periodically assess yourself and overcome your weaknesses.
- Remain confident right from the day one during your NMAT preparation journey.
Self -Preparation is the best NMAT 2024 preparation strategy however time is also an important factor. If a candidate gets stuck on some question due to his/her lack of conceptual clarity, the wastage of time is more and depression begins to set in. It could be a small quant formula, LR logic, or Verbal usage clarity which might need a simple push to come out of the shallow waters. This help can be provided by your mentor online or offline depending upon your preference or a mix of both.
6.2 How to prepare for NMAT 2024 in 3 months?
- Preparation Start Date: June/July
- Daily Time to Devote: 3-4 Hours
- Preparation Over Date: Mid September
- Preparation Activity after September: Revision, Mocks but Nothing New to begin
NMAT preparation time of three months is not short. What you have done in last 2-3 months or whatever you have prepared can be revised now in three months with various NMAT preparation tools. NMAT preparation strategy for three months is shared below:
- Check if you have achieved good clarity on fundamentals and have strengthened your basics
- Alongwith going through the books for NMAT preparation, visit number of online NMAT preparation material
- It is time that you started taking NMAT Mock test, analyse your errors and rectify them
- Instead of reading the theory again and again, now you should attempt the question and when you are stuck, visit the basics and clarify your point to clear the confusion
- Solve NMAT previous year question papers
- Join a good Test series for NMAT preparation
6.3 How to prepare for NMAT 2024 in 2 months?
- Preparation Start Date: July/August
- Daily Time to Devote: 3-4 Hours
- Preparation Over Date: September
- Preparation Activity after September: Revision, Mocks but Nothing New to begin
Many NMAT toppers are of the view that NMAT preparation time of two months is good enough to crack NMAT exam provided you study effectively. This way even 2 months are good to score 230-250 score if you are sincere enough.
- Focus more on NMAT Exam Quiz, NMAT Mock tests, different types of questions as appeared in NMAT
- Don’t leave any NMAT Mock Test without analyzing it
- Go through the Books for NMAT preparation and the NMAT study material and ensure that you have gone through the sectional and overall quiz and practice tests in these NMAT preparation books.
- Get the NMAT by GMAC 2024 preparation guide released by GMAC, it contains lot of NMAT study material, practice tests, previous test papers, Mocks
- There are some strong areas within your weak areas and some weak areas within your strong areas. Try to focus on all the weak areas and see if you are able to improve them. However, you should not waste more time on them. Instead focus more on your strong areas and improve them further.
7. Top NMAT 2024 Coaching Institutes
If you wish to prepare for NMAT with coaching, it is important to find out the best coaching for NMAT exam preparation that can focus on all the sections to prepare for NMAT. Even the best coaching for NMAT exam may have its draw backs in regard to certain topics. So you need to support your preparation with self study and getting good mentorship.
Top NMAT Coaching Centers in India
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Top NMAT Coaching Institutes
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Type of Courses Online/Offline/Both
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City wise NMAT Preparation Center Location
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TIME
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Both
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Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among total 100+ centres
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|
Career Launcher
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Both
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Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon among 80+ centres
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|
IMS
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Both
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Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow among 50+ centres
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|
Byju’s
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Online
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Online Coaching via Tablet anywhere in India & Abroad
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|
2IIM.com
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Online
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Online coaching course with videos, quizzes, practice tests, and slideshows. Classroom coaching in Chennai only
|
|
MBAGURU
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Both
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Centres across Delhi located in CP, Rajouri Garden, Pitampura, Kailash Colony
|
|
Arun Sharma’s Mindworkzz
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Both
|
Mindworkzz has 3 centres in C P, Delhi and offers online coaching as well
|
|
Endeavor
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Both
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Lucknow, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune among 20+ centres across India
|
|
BullsEye
|
Online
|
Offers Online Coaching
|
|
Tathagat
|
Classroom coaching
|
Centres located in Delhi, Noida
|
|
Alchemist
|
Classroom coaching
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CP-Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi and Gurgaon
|
8. NMAT Mocks: Best Preparation Tool
Practice test papers for NMAT prepared by top experts and NMAT toppers are good tool for NMAT 2024 preparation and to crack NMAT exam with high score. NMAT exam 2024 preparation with sample papers can become easy as the NMAT Mocks include the best selected questions for NMAT preparation. These Mock tests are available both online and offline. There are number of NMAT mock tests comprising model NMAT exam questions to help in your NMAT preparation. So, don’t miss them.
You can check your current level of NMAT exam preparation by taking Previous Year Papers / Mock Test. Unless you know which are your weak areas that need your more attention and which are your strong areas where you need to prepare for NMAT exam, it is difficult to complete your NMAT preparation 2024 and devise your preparation strategy. According to NMAT toppers the Mock tests help you gauge your preparation and help you to improve and focus more in the desired direction. Alongwith the NMAT Mock tests, NMAT exam quiz, NMAT previous years Mock test, NMAT sectional quiz will also play a major role in improving your speed and accuracy in NMAT preparation. Prepare with NMAT by GMAC Mock Tests
Read More: NMAT 2024 - Exam Date, Registration, Application Form, Syllabus and Pattern
